During the 2020 National STEM Career Expo, co-funded by a Key Action 2 Erasmus+ Project entitled Raising Awareness and Interest in STEAM Employment (RAISE), a number of private companies, research-performing organisations, government bodies and NGOs developed hands-on, interactive and appealing activities including coding, quizzes, role-play games for the whole family to enjoy.
Below are various testimonials of this event:
“Participating in the STEM Career Expo that was held at ESPLORA in January 2020 proved to be an enjoyable experience for the Scientists who represented the Pathology Department during this educational and promotional event. Scientists from various disciplines of Pathology, namely Mater Dei Hospital Blood Bank, Haematology & Coagulation, Bacteriology, Clinical Chemistry and Cytology, engaged the young participants and the general public with simple interactive activities.
Through these fun activities participants achieved a better understanding of the role of Medical Laboratory Scientists in Health Care and the skills they must possess in order to perform their duties. Some of the activities included food colouring experiments to explain compatibility of different blood groups, card games to identify white blood cells and their function in our bodies, simulating clotting of blood in a test tube and streaking and swabbing techniques. The latter are used to identify bacteria and test antibiotic sensitivity. A simple glitter game was enough to create awareness about the spread of disease, whilst an easy quiz tested participants’ knowledge about food hygiene. More elaborate demonstrations included DNA extraction from bananas using soap and table salt and sampling of cheek cells followed by basic staining techniques.
These “experiments” were backed up by verbal explanations and visual aids. A running slide show depicting different tasks performed by the Scientists in the laboratories at Mater Dei Hospital served as a background to the Pathology stand.
It was extremely encouraging to observe the interest and enthusiasm shown by youngsters in our scientific profession, a profession that is constantly evolving due to rapid advances in research and improved technologies.”
Ms. Antoinette Mifsud- Mater Dei Pathology Department
“Esplora aims to fuse STEM hands-on and yet entertaining activities into our curriculum and it has been providing a positive learning experience for our students. This aim is achieved through several activities, carefully and well organised by Esplora personnel, to support the Maltese education system and to attract young people and aspire for an eventual STEM career. One particular example was the STEM Career Expo, an Erasmus+ Project, which specifically intended to provide a wide range of opportunities in STEM careers to students. Many exhibitors in the fields of science and engineering showcased their work, company profile and opportunities to the students. Our stand was related to the Space Education Programme.
Moreover, other future opportunities, such as Space Education, were also presented to our students through hands-on, interactive and appealing activities for the whole family to enjoy.”
Mr Isaac Massa- Executive (R & I Programmes) Malta Council for Science and Technology
“During the STEM Career Expo in January, Green House, through our ESC volunteers Anna and Doris introduced to the children present the concept of citizen science especially highlighting the opportunities that citizen science has to offer for people without a background in science but that have a passion for it.
Our activities were focused on Malta’s wild orchids conservation. By using games, we re-enacted an actual orchid survey. We also taught the children about Malta’s specific landscapes, such as garigue, some interesting facts regarding orchids and bugs/insects similar to them and raising a general awareness about the importance of environment and biodiversity protection. All people involved, including the children, guardians and our own volunteers had a lot of fun while learning and this event was crucial for us to spread our love for citizen science. We believe that more events like the STEM Career Expo are needed.”
Ms Marthese Formosa- Green House
“Lufthansa Technik Malta has at its core the maintenance of aircraft, with its main focus revolving around specialized Maintenance and Engineering personnel. It was our pleasure that together with Esplora we participated in the STEM Career expo an Erasmus + Project entitled Raising Awareness and Interest in STEAM Employment. During the Career Expo we held a project throughout which we managed to engage students at a very young age, sharing our experience and imparting the realization of what it takes an aircraft to fly safe. Amongst others the project encompassed the need to carry out its checks and services and maintenance as specified on manuals and in accordance with international standard of airworthiness.”
Ms Bernice Debattista- Lufthansa Technik Malta
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